Semester change getting closer

A hallmark of RIT’s academic experience is nearing its end. The long-standing quarter system will be replaced by semesters beginning in fall 2013.

Work continues on the redesign of the university’s curricula. Each academic program is subject to evaluation and approval by the New York State Department of Education, a process scheduled to conclude by summer.

RIT President Bill Destler has cited multiple reasons for the change, including feedback from employers who suggest semesters will expand co-op opportunities for students. Destler also commits to no loss in academic rigor as a result of the new curricula.

According to Lynne Mazadoorian, director of institute advising, all students will meet one-on-one with advisors, beginning this fall, to craft individual plans.

“I hope the campus community will keep an open mind as we’re going through this process to realize that it is in the best interest of the students,” Mazadoorian says.

At the heart of this process is the university’s pledge that no student graduate late or incur added expense as a result of the conversion.

To help make that happen, RIT has hired and trained 10 new advisors, and four more will be added to the staff this summer.